The team behind Avatar: The Last Airbender is working on a new, secret TV show that is not the live-action Netflix adaptation, not the upcoming animated film, and not anything fans have heard about before. Co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko let the news slip during a recent interview, confirming that a mystery project is already in production but offering zero details on what it actually is.
What We Know About the Secret Avatar Project
Here's everything we know: it exists. DiMartino and Konietzko described it as a "secret" show in the works, separate from the previously announced animated film Aang: The Last Airbender and the live-action series currently streaming on Netflix. The duo didn't give a title, a logline, or even a hint of what era of the Adventure-filled world it might explore. The vagueness is deliberate, but the fact that they're willing to acknowledge it publicly suggests a reveal isn't far off.
This isn't the first time the creators have teased something outside the main franchise. DiMartino and Konietzko have been open about their desire to expand the universe beyond Aang's story, and the secret show could be their chance to do exactly that — on their own terms. After all, they left the live-action adaptation over creative differences, so this new project likely represents a return to the kind of storytelling they originally built Nickelodeon's most celebrated series around.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time for a Secret Avatar Show
The Avatar franchise is in the middle of a major renaissance. The original series has found a massive new audience on Netflix, the live-action adaptation brought in record numbers despite mixed reviews, and an animated film trilogy is officially in the works at Paramount. The appetite for more content from this world is at an all-time high, and the creators know it. A secret project announced at this moment feels like a strategic play — let the hype build naturally while the franchise's momentum is already rolling.
It's also a smart move for DiMartino and Konietzko personally. After stepping away from the Netflix adaptation, they've been relatively quiet. A secret show gives them the freedom to create without the pressure of immediate public scrutiny, and the eventual reveal will feel like a genuine surprise rather than a scheduled corporate rollout. Compare that to how Alan Wake's long-awaited sequel was handled — years of silence followed by a sudden, confident announcement that reignited fan interest. The Avatar team appears to be taking a similar approach.
What This Secret Show Could Be
Speculation is running wild in the community. The most likely scenario is a new animated series set in the same universe but following a different Avatar — perhaps Korra's successor, or a completely new era. The franchise has already proven it can sustain a sequel with The Legend of Korra, and the upcoming film trilogy is set to focus on adult Aang and his friends. A show that explores a different time period would fill the gap without competing with the movies.
Another possibility is that this secret show is something entirely disconnected from the Avatar universe. DiMartino and Konietzko have spent years developing other projects, including a graphic novel and a planned film adaptation of a different property. A brand-new IP from the creators of Avatar would be a massive deal, especially if it retains the same blend of emotional depth, martial arts, and worldbuilding that made them household names. Think of how A Short Hike emerged as a small, personal project from a developer known for bigger games — sometimes the best work comes from stepping away from the franchise.
The Risk of Keeping Secrets
There's a downside to the secrecy. The longer fans wait, the more expectations build. The Avatar fandom is notoriously passionate, and any new project will be scrutinized against the original series, which is widely considered one of the best animated shows of all time. The live-action adaptation learned that the hard way — it was praised by newcomers but criticized by diehards for changes to the source material. A secret show that doesn't live up to the hype could sour the goodwill the franchise currently enjoys.
There's also the question of whether the show will be animated or live-action. The creators have expressed frustration with the live-action format before, but the success of One Piece on Netflix has proven that faithful adaptations can work. If the secret project is live-action, they'll need to deliver something that feels authentic to the spirit of the original while taking advantage of the medium's strengths. If it's animated, the challenge is differentiating it from the classic series without feeling like a pale imitation.
What Comes Next for the Avatar Franchise
The next big milestone is the animated film Aang: The Last Airbender, set for release in 2025. Expect the secret show to be officially unveiled during the promotional cycle for that movie, likely at a major event like Comic-Con or Avatar Day. The timing lets the film build anticipation while the new show remains a tantalizing mystery. From there, the franchise is on track to become a permanent fixture in pop culture — not just a nostalgic property, but an actively expanding universe.
For now, fans can only speculate and wait. But knowing that DiMartino and Konietzko are back in the creative driver's seat on a project of their own design is the most reassuring news the Avatar community has heard in years. Whatever the secret is, it's being built by the people who understand the world best. That alone is worth the patience.
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